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Saturday, July 30, 2011

Hello All its Tara and Dylan from London.
We have all settled in to our new home in London and everything is going well apart from the fact that we are missing Angi and Amelie terribly.
London is full of amazing and wonderful things to do so I will be updating you and giving you reviews from London while Angi will still be doing Dublin.
When I was leaving I was given a beautiful cookery book by a friend of mine. Gwyneth Paltrow's Notes from my Kitchen Table. Its full of wonderful healthy but very yummy recipes. I have never been a great healthy eater but since I have had Dylan I have changed my ways. I am always on the hunt for healthy alternatives without giving up the flavor. However I have yet to find anything sweet that actually is healthier and tastes good. Who are we kidding its never as good as the real thing. Until I tried Gwyneths oatmeal and raisin cookies that was. They are so guilt free they can hardly be called cookies.
If you don't want to go out and get the cook book she also has a great site called Goop which has a lot of her recipes on there.
The recipe below contains nuts. If you or your child is allergic to nuts just take them out.

Preheat oven to 180 degree C (350 F) gas 4. Line baking sheets with baking paper.
Place the raisins in a small bowl and cover with boiling water to plump them up.
Meanwhile , finely grind the walnuts and half the oats in a small food processor. Combine this mixture with the remaining dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Mix together the wet ingredients in a small bowl and add to the dry ingredients bowl. Stir to combine. Drain the raisins and fold them in to the mixture. Drop large spoonfuls of the mixture on to the baking sheets and bake for 13-15 minuets until brown. Remove to a wire rack.
Enjoy

Thursday, July 28, 2011

I just uploaded a smiling photo of Amelie to help raise much-needed funds for the redevelopment of the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit caring for Ireland’s youngest cancer patients and their families.

"All wet Mummy"

Due to patient numbers increasing over €1.9 million is urgently needed to complete a complete overhaul of the unit in Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin .

Cow & Gate are trying to help and will donate €1 directly to the charity for every smiling photo uploaded to their website. 12 smiling babies will be featured in a 2012 calender, you can order one online now are the funds will also go to the hospital fund. So far they have raised €2,400 a little shy of the €1.9 million but every little bit helps.

You can upload your smiling photo at www.smilesforcrumlin.ie and also make donations or order your Smiles for Crumlin Calendar 2012. Tell all your friends to do the same and if you need a little cheer in your day, visit the smile wall and see thousands of smiling faces, they are sure to brighten your day.

Monday, July 25, 2011

Good morning everyone, I have not done a good eco-post in a long time, so I though that it was a great day to start the week. I recently found myself getting a little creative in re-using yogurt containers of different shapes and sizes. Amelie has a variety of different yogurts that come in differ sized pots, I also eat yogurt that comes in large pots with lids. Taking them to the beach is her favourite or using them in water play. I have also recently started finger painting with her at home and using yogurt tubs as paint pots or to hold glitter (or the bits of paper from the hole punch) she can crate master pieces that are now suck all over our house.

Ten ways to reuse yogurt containers…

1. Small yogurt containers are perfect mini paint pots or holders for brushes for the budding artists

2. Take a bunch of them to the beach and let your child fill them with sand and rock I guarantee it will keep them amused for hours

3. Use them in the bath or in larger tubs for water play

4. Homemade music makers, for small babies just pop in a few popping corns or a bit of rice, stick on the lid or cover the top and you have a homemade rattle.

8. Use them to make giant ice cubes to keep food or drinks in a cooler cold

9. Use them to make icy poles in the freezer

10. Use them to store snack and food in the fridge

*For the last two keep an eye on the type of plastic, be aware that we now know that BPA found in certain plastics may be harmful. We also know that heating any type of plastic not specifically designed for the microwave can be dangerous so do not expose these containers to high heat and stick to plastics with recycle numbers 1, 2, 4 or 5 for food storage.

If you would like to read more of our eco tips pop on over to our Eco Love page and please send us any suggestion you have, we would love to hear them.

Saturday, July 23, 2011

I’m off to Dundrum today and you can be sure that I will pop into Yo Sushi for a snack. I just love Sushi and remember the first time my Aunty took me for sushi when I was quite a young child, I was so excited to be trying something so new and exciting. I am baby free today but my husband and I have taken little monkey there on many an occasion and she absolutely loves it. The first time we went there I was really unsure if there would be much for Amelie to eat but I was delighted at the choice. The novelty of the sushi train was brilliant Amelie would peer in the bowls and choose something she wanted to try. I initially ordered a plain rice for her as she usually loves rice but because there was so many colourful interesting looking things to put in to her moth she wouldn’t even look at the rice. She learnt how to suck up noodles and even tried to use chopsticks. There are always children of all ages there and I am so impressed the variety of food that they are eating from hot dishes to sushi and sashimi to tempura and spicy seaweed salads. Giving your children a variety of tastes, textures and flavours really develops their palate. Yo Sushi is such a fun way to entice your little ones to try something different. The is a lovely little fruit dish too with melons and grapes for them to have as a healthy dessert.

There are several highchairs available but we find sitting Amelie next to us in one of the booths is most fun, she can watch the Sushi train go by and feel like she is a big girl. When she is done eating, and we are not the colourful bowls provide a little entertainment. The staffs are amazingly friendly and used to the mess left behind by giggling and excited toddlers. The changing facilities in Dundrum Town Centre are some of the best around and there are feeding areas if you are nursing. On each table there is filtered water which is great because you don’t have to spend a fortune on drinks, however the bill is usually pretty pricey for a lunch or a snack, but well worth the fun that goes with it. If you don’t want to get carried away plan what you are going to get before you start grabbing everything that looks good as it goes past, that mountain of bowls can add up.

If you are looking for a bit of fun and an opportunity to give your children a cultural food experience Yo Sushi is such a great place to start. If you are out in Dundrum there is plenty of great shopping and be sure to pick up a copy of Irish Parent the free parenting magazine available all around the centre.

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Hello all, here is a poem given to me today my lecturer in college I wanted to share it with you. For me it really got the cogs turning about the affect an adult's actions can have on a child. It also made me realise how unbelievably lucky I am to have parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and teachers who as a child loved me, showed me what a wonderful place this world could be and gave me the tools I needed to find my place in it. Children are always watching and they will do what you do...

When You Thought I Wasn't Looking

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator, and I immediately wanted to paint another one.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you feed a stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind to animals.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make my favourite cake for me, and I learned that the little things can be the special things in life.

When you thought I wasn't looking I heard you say a prayer, and I knew there is a God I could always talk to and I learned to trust in God.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make a meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I learned that we all have to help take care of each other.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you give up your time and money to help people who had nothing, and I learned that those who have something should give to those who don't.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you take care of our house and yourself, and I learned we have to take care of what we are given.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw how you handled your responsibilities, even when you didn't feel good, and I learned that I would have to be responsible when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw tears come from your eyes, and I learned that sometimes things hurt, but it's alright to cry.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw that you cared, and I wanted to be everything that I could be.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I learned most of life's lessons that I need to know to be a good and productive person when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I looked at you and wanted to say, "Thanks for all the things I saw when you thought I wasn't looking."

Monday, July 18, 2011

Sorry I am a little late with the review this week. With Tara so busy moving to London town I should be keeping up the blog but I have been a little slack, too busy missing her I'd say :) All this college work is building up too, if you don't know I have returned to college study Early Childhood Development so should have plenty to blog about in the near future, if I ever get a free moment. Enjoy this weeks review and start getting excited about some post from London coming soon.

The Tram Yard Cafe

A: Castle Street, Dalkey, County Dublin

O: Mon~Sun 9am~6pm

This stunning little café and gift shop in Dalkey is just off the main street in the old Dalkey Tram Yard, hence the name. The interior of the café is clean, vibrant and oh so pretty with my favorite Cath Kidson patterns adoring the tables, wares and even the staff in the form of pretty aprons. The decking for sitting out is in my opinion the best part of the café and there is a lovely casual but cool atmosphere that is enjoyed by an eclectic mix of people.

I tried a quiche which was served with a side salad and crisps and my friend ate from the outdoor barbecue being cooked right by our table. I am not sure if there is a specific children’s menu I was enjoying myself too much to stop and ask but there is a full sandwich bar so you will find something tasty for your littlen’s. We both had a glass of crisp Sauvignon Blanc and were lucky enough to be get some sunshine and free live jazz music to top off the experience.

Of course none of this would have been as enjoyable as it was if Amelie had not been content the whole time we were there. We were provided with a high chair and she happily sat nibbling in my quiche and sipping her water bottle just watching all that was going on around her. We were there for quite some time and when she gota little restless in the high chair I was able to take her out and let her have a wander around as there is plenty of space. She amused herself with going up and down the step, oohing at the dogs that were constantly passing and having a little bop to the Jazz music.

Amelie relaxing at the Tram Yard Cafe

The changing facilities were lovely, staff very accommodating and overall the place exudes child friendly. On Saturdays there is a farmers market held in the tram year and I have heard whispers of a fantastic local artist about open a shop selling his hand made silver jewellery, very excited. We will be back without question to shop, eat drink and relax!

To read more reviews by the Jetsetting Babies pop over to our Review Page and if you want to share your favourite family friendly place with us contribute a review of your own, visit our Contribute Page for more information.

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Children just love to have all of their senses stimulated, they love to explore new sights, textures, tastes, smells and sounds and with the great weather we are getting what better way to excite all the senses than to get down to the beach and explore with your babies and toddlers. They are never too small for the beach even just wriggling their tiny toes in the sand or watching the waves come in can be a wonderful experience for you baby.

We are so fortunate to live on the sea front and Amelie is a little beach baby. We go down all the time even if the weather isn't great we rug up and go down to the beach to play or wave at the seals from the pier. So whether you are on holiday somewhere exotic with your little ones or just get a burst of sunshine treat yourselves to a family day at the beach...

Monday, July 11, 2011

Share your love for live music with your children. From 20th July through 21st August The Ark is holding afternoon concerts each weekend. This is a perfect opportunity to expose your children to the wonderful world of live music and experience something a little different.

The lineup of artists includes Size2Shoes, fiddle player Zoe Conway and Julie Freeny, who is behind the song Impossibly Beautiful and was described by Hot Press as a “pop genius” The concerts are €10 and concessions are available. The Ark is a wonderful venue for children and families to explore and even if you don’t make one of the concerts the Jetsetting Babies recommend that you pop down for a visit soon.

Monday, July 4, 2011

In Dalkey last weekend on a leisurely stroll we stumbled across the Dalkey Book Festival and a little open air live Jazz. I spotted a very creative re-use and wanted to share it.

I will do this in my dream garden one day only my raised bed will be full of delicious seasonal vegetables.

Next week we will review the Tram Yard Cafe in Dalkey... this is one not to be missed. The Dalkey Tram Yard is home to a weekly farmers market too which is held on Saturdays and hosts an eclectic mix of stalls well worth a look.

Saturday, July 2, 2011

Congratulations to Catherine Butler the winner of our first competition!

You will be contacted shortly with details to claim your prize, a photo shoot for you and your family and a CD of all of your images from Studioworks Photography valued at €150

Thank you to all the mothers who took the time to share their excellent travel tips with us we will be compiling a list and posting The Jetsetting Babies Top Ten Travel Tips on Tuesday, thank you again for your entries and your ongoing support of the Jetsetting Babies Blog.

There will be more competitions coming soon so keep reading. Why not start with this weeks review Acapulco Mexican Restaurant.

A little exhausted from the Dublina exhibition in Christchurch and geared up for an afternoon full of sightseeing in Dublin’s City Centre we decided a healthy lunch was in order. We popped over to Georges street in Dublin and had a look, we had hoped to try Sheebeen Chic but it did not appear to be open so we ventured a few doors down to Acapulco Mexican restaurant.

The waitresses looked slightly distressed as we trooped in with the buggies but offered a friendly smile and showed us a nice hidey spot at the back of the restaurant where they could be parked safely. We were seated and offered the one high char available, (The sack and seat would have come in handy if only I had remembered to pack it) and Amelie quite pleased with herself sat on the booth couch between Amanda and I. The brightly lit and brightly coloured restaurant was reminiscent of Rosa Negra in Barcelona and quickly captured the attention of the babies. I loved the lanterns and funky woven chairs the décor definitely set the mood.

We all ordered Nachos and the babies were brought out a serve of warm tortilla and guacamole which they really enjoyed The Nachos were an excellent serving and very tasty. The girls had the chili beef and I tried the chicken, certainly no complaints here they really were fantastic. The babies proceeded to make considerable mess, a glass of water flying here, glops of guacamole there but it was no problems the staff brought over a stack of cloth napkins and we were sorted.

We ordered a deep fried ice-cream with butterscotch sauce to share between the three of us, and the babies were thrilled when a tiny serve of ice cream was brought out just for them! When the time came to leave and also to change a wet nappy we discovered that there were no changing facilities, the waitress looked mortified when I asked if I could lay Amelie’s portable changing mat down on one of the couches but took a deep breath and smiled and pointed to an area hidden from view of the public.

Overall we had a great experience here, while there are no baby facilities or activities per-ce the staff did all they could to make us feel welcome and the babies were quite spoiled with goodies from the kitchen. I would recommend this as a great family restaurant for anyone with slightly older children. If you don’t mind a little hassle of a baby on the knee while you’re eating and no changing tables then it could be for you too. The food is well worth it!

There will be a Teddy Bear Dr. To attend to any sick Teddies, a DJ, face painting, bouncy castles and a ‘make and do tent,’ I would be expecting a great day as the Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Council really know how to put on a great family event. We had a fun day last year even if Amelie was a little small for any of the activities. For more information visitwww.dlrevents.ie

Amelie at last year's Teddy Bears Picnic

Wherever you end up and whatever you do with your families this weekend we hope that you have fun and good times. If you are looking for ideas be sure to pop over to our events page you just might find some inspiration...